A Restorative Journey Through Myanmar

Meet the guide and driver at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

A few hours before sunset, head to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, local legend has it that the original structure was built 2,500 years ago then renovated several times before taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 metres tall, gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. Follow the guide’s lead while touring this massive complex and learn why it’s so revered among locals.

As the sun begins to set, take part in an oil lamp lighting ceremony. The oil lamps, ranging from 100 to 1,000, will be arranged whilst touring Shwedagon. Right before sunset, the lighting the oil lamps begins, finishing as the sun sets, creating a picturesque setting.

Overnight in Yangon

Inclusions:

Optional Activity: Tai Chi: depart at 05.30 and join the locals in the park for Tai Chi. Every morning as the sun comes up, dozens of Yangon residents gather in a park near Shwedagon to practice Tai Chi. Join a group or request a private session with a local instructor. Supplement will apply for car/guide service at this hour.

This morning the tour starts at 08:00.

Transfer to Mahasi Monastery, the foremost meditation center in Myanmar. Opened in 1949 by Mahasi Sayadaw, the monastery is considered by many to be the birthplace of the modern day Mindfulness movement. It is renowned as an ‘Educational Spa’ throughout Myanmar and many pilgrims come here to learn, study and practice Vipassana meditation. Mahasi usually requires a minimum of one-week of study for the local yogis however they have granted special permission for our clients for a one-day program. 

First, meet with the venerable monk who will discuss the importance of meditation in the life of the Burmese Buddhist people (in English). A meditation teacher (monk) will be there to teach  techniques and methods that have been used for centuries. Instruction will be given on both seated and walking meditation methods. After an hour of instruction and discussion it is time to practice the methods learned.

Move into the meditation hall for a practice session. Slip away into a deep meditative state, relaxing in the quiet, peaceful setting of Mahasi. Alternate between one hour sessions of seated and walking meditation.

Overnight in Yangon

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Bagan.

The journey begins with a visit to an elevated location with spectacular views over the surrounding plains. This is the perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan’s architecture. Next, continue to Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Bagan. Arrive early enough to enjoy this fantastic site in peace, well before all of the tour buses arrive.

Afterwards, head to Myinkaba Village and visit Gubyaukgyi Temple which is noted for the beautiful mural paintings of its inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior. Nearby are Manuha and Nanpaya Temples. Although relatively small in size, they house impressive Buddha statues and stone work.

Today’s lunch will be held at a home in a traditional village. Have a chance to chat and meet the local family. Though the food will be caterd by a restaurant, part of the procedes will go to the host family.

Later in the afternoon, head to the Irrawaddy River, board a private riverboat, and set off upriver toward Kyauk Gu U Min. Throughout your Irrawaddy River cruise you will be treated to fabulous scenes of life on the water: fishermen, local ferry boats, riverside villages and views of the Bagan temples.

Arrive Kyauk Gu U Min on the eastern side of the river and take a five-to-ten minute walk to the amazing temple here. Take time to admire the exquisite stone carvings depicting religious figures and flowers on the door. The temple itself is built against the side of cliff. After passing through the temple, head to a cave entrance just behind the main wall. Inside the cave there are several small niches where individuals can practice meditation. Legend states that the cave was built during the 13th century when locals used it to hide from invading Mongols.

After exploring Kyauk Gu U Min, return to the boat for a relaxing cruise back to Bagan (around 1 hour). Upon arrival, transfer back to the hotel for a well-earned evening of relaxation or head out to do some last-minute souvenir shopping.  

Overnight in Bagan.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Today the sightseeing begins at 08:00.

You will be met at your hotel by your guide. From here, you will transfer to a local e-scooter vendor to get fitted for your electric scooter for the day. (Mountain bikes can be arranged instead of e-scooters – supplements apply). After a few minutes getting acquainted with the e-scooters, the adventure begins.

Beginning with an easy ride along New Bagan’s main road, the leisurely outing will eventually pass through Tharabar Gate, venturing into the archaeological zone. Visit a few of Bagan’s main temples like Dhammayangyi, the largest built by King Narathu in the 12th century, and Ananda, famous for its four Buddha images. Depending on time and interest, there’s the option to explore some lesser known temples around the complex. While riding through the plains, discover a traditional village, where it is possible to learn how local livelihoods have remained unchanged for years, from using earthen kilns to creating pottery to hand-pressing peanuts and sesames for oil. 

Around midday, we’ll head to Nyaung U for lunch at Sanon, a  social enterprise  helping  disadvantaged youths enter the hospitality industry. Here, you can learn of Sanon’s story and enjoy a superbly cooked meal in their nice garden.

After lunch, return to the hotel for a few hours to relax.

Late in the afternoon, take a relaxing horse cart ride through the temple area, passing many monuments, farms and traditional houses along the way. Wrap the day up with a stop at an elevated  viewpoint for a spectacular sunset over the plains. Afterwards, return back to the hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Balloon Experience Over Bagan - Start your morning with an incredible hot-air balloon flight over Bagan’s temple-studded plains. Start your morning noshing on pastries and croissants, and sipping coffee and tea as the balloon is inflated.  Climb aboard before gently rising above thousands of gilded stupas and earthen temples all back-dropped by the impressive Irrawaddy River.  A truly unforgettable and unique experience. (Note: available only from late- October to late-March; all flights weather permitting)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to the Heho in the Shan state. Arriving in Heho, meet the guide and driver and take a 1 hour scenic ride through the beautiful Shan hills to the town of Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake.

Arriving in Nyaung Shwe, enjoy lunch at View Point. Shan food is often considered the best in Myanmar. View Point offers a tasting menu of a variety of canopies, each exploring a different staple of the cuisine.

After lunch, transfer to a longtail boat for an introduction to Inle Lake. Continue across the lake, passing through villages with stilted houses. Cruise by floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Be on the lookout for fishermen who use a unique leg-rowing technique to propel their boats while casting their nets.

Stop at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary. Climb the stairs to the top where 5 sacred Buddha images are displayed on a platform. Learn about the history of these gold-covered statues and find out why they are so revered. Take a short walk to a nearby boat house to see the royal barges used during the pagoda’s annual festival.

Finally, head to the hotel in time to catch a beautiful sunset across the lake.

Overnight on Inle Lake.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

This morning the tour starts at 08:00.

We’ll transfer to the jetty to board a boat and explore Inle Lake. After about an hour’s journey, we’ll disembark and begin a kayaking tour through the canals of Inle Lake. Passing by stilted homes and lake side pagodas, we’ll experience Inle like few others. After around half an hour of paddling, we’ll visit a local village to have tea and view some of the local cottage industries. Then, it’s back on the kayaks for another half an hour to return.

Leaving the kayaks behind, we’ll take the motor boats down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein.  Explore the area on foot, strolling around ancient ruined pagodas and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area.  Here you can climb the covered stairway to the top of a hill which is covered with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below.

Return to the hotel this afternoon

Overnight on Inle Lake

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today the journey continues at 08:00.

This morning,Take a drive to Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Magwe village. Arriving around lunch time, a guide from the Green Hill will greet you and transfer you to the main camp. Enjoy a traditional lunch while receiving a briefing on the day’s activities, the background of the camp and the history of elephants in Myanmar.

Following this, embark on a short walk to the river, passing through a reforestation project set up by the camp and villagers. Be greeted by the elephants – the guide will explain their name, age, and how they ended up retiring at the camp. Trays of bananas and sugar cane will be brought out and some time will be enjoyed feeding the elephants. Afterwards, get dressed in traditional Shan garments to prepare for the elephants bathing. Walk to a natural pool, located between two small falls in the stream, where you’ll join the elephants for a bath. 

NOTE:  For the wellbeing of the animals, elephant riding is not allowed.

OPTION FOR SHORT TREK: Instead of driving directly to the camp, stop at the Wet Pyu Ye junction where a guide from the Green Hill Valley Elephant camp will greet you. Embark on a walk to the camp. The walk is mostly downhill and passes through a variety of forest types - teak, bamboo, etc - which is home to a variety of flora and fauna.  After 45-90 minutes you will encounter the camp’s elephants. The elephants will likely be enjoying a refreshing swim in the stream and you can join the mahouts to bathe these gentle animals if you wish. Enjoy refreshments here or by a waterfall.

Return to the reforestation area to plant a tree before heading back  to the main camp. Then say goodbye to the elephants and mahouts and transfer to Kalaw to begin a three day yoga retreat.

Upon arrival at Kalaw Hill Lodge, check into the hotel and receive a briefing on the yoga retreat. At 7.30 pm a Vegetarian dinner will be served (all meals during the retreat will be vegetarian).

Overnight in Kalaw

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Begin the day with an early morning meditation session followed by an hour and a half yoga class. Breakfast will be served following yoga.

Afterwards, enjoy a traditional farming experience in Kalaw Hill Lodge’s onsite working farm. Feed the animals, work with the buffaloes, explore the vegetable garden and plant trees. The quiet and beautiful rolling hills complete the pastural experience.

After lunch enjoy a few more hours of free time. Besides the working farm working farm , there are several walking trails crossing beautiful Kalaw creek alongside scenic mountains and beautiful farms. Explore the deep jungles suitable for bird watchers and fantastic views of wilderness.

In the mid afternoon, be fully immersed in relaxation with a 90 minute full body massage.

As the sun begins to set, the evening’s yoga class will begin followed by an hour of contemplative meditation.

Overnight in Kalaw.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

The second day of the yoga meditation will follow a smilar schedule to the first. There wil be morning and evening meditation and yoga classes. The schedule will differ in the midday activity.

Today, take a trek through some of the local communities in the Shan hills. Visit a monastery, a Danu village for rice wine, and a Nepalese village for lunch. Return back to the hotel for a sunset yoga session.

Overnight in Kalaw.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

This morning, depart Kalaw and transfer to the Heho airport for a flight to Ngapali Beach. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Ngapali Beach is a quiet 3-kilometre stretch of white sands lined by coconut palms.  The warm, clear waters are perfect for watersports such as snorkeling, and there are several small islands which can be reached by boat. Unlike many beaches in Asia, there are no flamethrowers, backpackers, or late night parties at Ngapali. It is the perfect spot for a few days of complete relaxation before heading home.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Enjoy two days of leisure at Ngapali Beach.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Beach Safari at Maung Shwe Lay - We can also arrange, with advance notice, a visit to Maung Shwe Lay for a ‘private beach’ for the day. This beautiful spot is a typical fishing village in the Rakhine State and is, due to its remote location, rarely visited by tourists. It is also the location of an EXO Foundation-founded library, which provides books, journals and other materials and educational support to the residents of Maung Shwe Lay. (For more information visit www.exofoundation.com )

Overnight in Ngapali.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Enjoy two days of leisure at Ngapali Beach.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Beach Safari at Maung Shwe Lay - We can also arrange, with advance notice, a visit to Maung Shwe Lay for a ‘private beach’ for the day. This beautiful spot is a typical fishing village in the Rakhine State and is, due to its remote location, rarely visited by tourists. It is also the location of an EXO Foundation-founded library, which provides books, journals and other materials and educational support to the residents of Maung Shwe Lay. (For more information visit www.exofoundation.com )

Overnight in Ngapali.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Yangon. From Yangon, depart for a flight home.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast